Tested: my budget-friendly boutique getaway in Ghent at B&B Hotel

In terms of local city adventures, we’ve had our fair share of exploration this past year. And if there’s one destination that truly stole our hearts and sits firmly at the top of our list for the best city trips in our own backyard, it’s got to be Ghent.

Why Ghent, you ask? Well, aside from its undeniable charm and endless attractions, we were lucky enough to experience the city from the stylish comforts of the brand-new B&B Hotel. Nestled right in the heart of Ghent’s historic center, this hip and wallet-friendly accommodation made our stay not just memorable, but downright fantastic.

In the bustling heart of Ghent, you’ll find B&B Hotels nestled in the popular Voldersstraat, just off the renowned shopping street, Veldstraat. It’s undeniably a prime spot, with almost all attractions within walking distance. This makes it the perfect base for immersing yourself in the charm of Ghent. Plus, trendy restaurants and hip bars are practically around every corner, making it easy to be right in the midst of the action.

But location isn’t the only ace up B&B Hotels Ghent’s sleeve.

A room to indulge in

You can’t call B&B Hotel small by any means: with a whopping 114 rooms, but thanks to clever design and delightful extras, we felt like we were staying in an intimate boutique B&B. The hotel boasts free high-speed wifi (perfect for planning your sightseeing adventures), and each room comes with a large television featuring not only a wide array of international channels but also Chromecast, ideal for streaming your favorite online series onto a bigger screen. It’s a delightful way to unwind after a busy day exploring the city. Moreover, the luxurious Bultex mattress ensured we woke up refreshed and lively in the morning: we’ve rarely slept so comfortably.

Good to know: the hotel also offers 41 family rooms, perfect for families looking to introduce even the youngest travelers to the beauty of Ghent. The hotel is accessible for guests with limited mobility, and for pet lovers: pets are allowed, your beloved furry friend is more than welcome here!

Relaxation and Warmth

Throughout the hotel, you’ll find cozy communal areas that invite lively conversations or quiet moments with a book. Many of these spaces are designed for self-service, allowing guests to safely enjoy everything the hotel has to offer, such as an extensive breakfast buffet and a self-service wine bar in the lobby.

On the rooftop terrace, guests can unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink accompanied by a breathtaking view of all the must-sees of Ghent. “We’ve created a space that makes every visit to Ghent affordable and complete. We’re proud to share our hotel with our guests, and we look forward to their many future visits,” says Louis Caroni, Managing Director of B&B Hotels BeLux.

Tip: during our stay, we dined at the delightful Lebanese restaurant, Beiruti, just 20 meters from the hotel. Expect a delightful introduction to Lebanese cuisine; we opted for a menu featuring a variety of small dishes, and it was truly enjoyable! There’s also a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Highly recommended!

In the surrounding area

In addition to the budget-friendly rates (check the website) and thoughtful hip design, the location is undoubtedly a major asset. Within walking distance, you can visit the following highlights of Ghent:

• The Gravensteen
• The medieval center with the Korenmarkt, the Groentenmarkt, the Sint-Baafsplein with the Sint-Baafs Cathedral and the Belfry, and the Vrijdagmarkt
• The Belfry and the Cloth Hall: 95 meters high, offering a magnificent view over the city.
• The Ghent Altarpiece – the triptych by Jan and Hubert van Eyck, one of the most important works of the Flemish Primitives, located in the Sint-Baafs Cathedral.
• To Do: Take a boat trip on the canals of Ghent.
• The Industrial Museum, the Design Museum Gent, The World of Kina (a museum perfect for children and teenagers), the City Museum of Ghent
• The Graslei and Korenlei (with many restaurants to taste the local specialties).

Accessibility

By car: within walking distance of the hotel, there are public paid parking spaces available. You can also charge your electric car there.

By train: Easily accessible in less than fifteen minutes by tram from Gent-Sint-Pieters Station (or by taxi if you need to be even quicker).

About B&B Hotels

B&B Hotels currently has 550 hotels in 12 countries. In Belgium, you can find B&B Hotels in Antwerp, Brussels, and now in Ghent as well. There are ambitious plans to conquer the rest of Belgium. The hotel chain is known for comfortable and trendy design rooms in prime locations, all at an affordable price.

In 2020, B&B Hotels received an independent certification for health risk management (Socotec for Belgium). This certification guarantees compliance with a strict protocol of health measures and a safe environment for guests.

Voldersstraat 17, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, +32 93 96 61 30, gent.centrum@hotelbb.com

For more information and bookings, visit the B&B Hotels website.